Baby Activity: Messy Ribbon Heart

by Melissa Jaramillo and Julie Snyder

While little ones love to receive presents, you may be surprised how much they delight in the "giving end" as well! From hugs and kisses to more tangible presents, your child will enjoy putting a smile on someone else's face.

When the process involves tapping into their creativity and allowing them to actually make the present -- it is all the more fun! Here's a craft for the wee ones that is bound to please both the giver and the recipient alike!

What you'll need:

• Clear contact paper
• Bright ribbon, paper or fabric scraps
• Container for scraps
• A flat surface

Getting started:

1. Cut two contact paper hearts, one slightly larger than the other. Place protective sides together. Trace the outline of the smaller heart on the larger. Set aside the larger heart for later.
2. Cut scraps into manageable sizes. Since babies explore objects with their mouth, non-toxic stuff is best.
3. Peel protective paper off smaller heart. Attach to high chair tray, floor or other flat surface. Have container of scraps within reach.
4. Invite your little one to create by showing her how a ribbon will stick to the contact paper.
5. When the scraps are gone or he loses interest, remove craft items and sidetrack with a snack.

Add the finishing touches:

Snag that second contact paper heart and before peeling off the protective paper, eyeball spots on the traced line that will need trimmed.

Your baby's project is apt to have some stragglers. That's not a problem and actually adds charm to her creation. Just accommodate them with cut spaces in the protective cover.

Snip about every half inch from the edge to the line you traced earlier. Ready? Peel off the paper and place on top of decorated heart. Fold tabs to the back to secure. Admire!

Julie Snyder is a mom of six, interested in kids, pregnancy, birth, people and lives in the outlying Seattle area. Melissa Jaramillo is mom to many. She's passionate about building, encouraging, and strengthening families on this adventure known as parenthood!

Copyright © Melissa Jaramillo and Julie Snyder. Permission to republish granted to Pregnancy.org, LLC.